Meet the Team
Robin Sullivan, CEO and Owner
Robin is a gifted, trained chef with an unwavering passion for cheese. She is the kind of person who could wax poetic about a wheel of Brie the way others might speak of Shakespeare. Her love of cheese is rivaled only by her passion for world travel. Her friends used to joke that she could navigate Europe without a map, by following the scent of a well-aged cheese.
Each year, Robin plans her travel around two things: tasting and educating herself about cheese and visiting botanical gardens. Last spring, she biked through the Netherlands, where she fell in love with the artisan Goudas found along the tidy rows of tulips that stretched like rainbows across the landscape. Amongst her greatest adventures she includes hiking through the French Alps while learning the varied wildflowers that cows must consume before their milk can be used to create some of the world’s best cheeses.
Upon her return from her travels, Robin hosts “The Grand Fromage,” an invite-only event, where guests sample rare cheeses while she tells stories about the families that create them. Each cheese has a unique story and every bite is infused with the scents and flavors of the places they come from.
In the world of fine dining and event planning, few possess the unique skill set that Robin brings to the table. With an unparalleled ability to pair her extensive cheese expertise with the specific needs of her clients, Robin creates unforgettable culinary experiences tailored to each event’s theme, mood, and guest preferences.
Whether it’s curating a sophisticated cheese board for a large wedding reception or crafting a playful and eclectic assortment for a casual garden party, Robin’s keen sense of taste and deep knowledge of cheese varieties make her a sought-after consultant in the culinary world.
Her approach goes beyond simply providing cheese; she takes the time to understand her clients’ vision, preferences, and guest profiles, ensuring that each cheese selection not only complements the event but also tells a story. From creamy Bries to bold, aged Cheddars and rare artisan selections, Robin’s recommendations are as thoughtful as they are delicious. Her connections to local artisan cheesemakers allow her to access award winning small farm cheeses that help create a totally one-of-a-kind Orcas Island experience.
Clients consistently praise Robin for her attention to detail, her ability to elevate any occasion with the perfect cheese pairings, and her warm, engaging personality that makes each interaction a delight. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a grand celebration, Robin’s skill in matching cheese to specific events and needs is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Mary Robinson, Production
An adventurous Englishwoman with a profound love for tea, fine cheeses, and the comforting reliability of a good umbrella, Mary Robinson has always had a heart for distant horizons. Raised amongst the misty hills of the Welsh Marches, she now roams far from home, indulging in tastes and tales aged and new, marveling at the deeply rooted world of cheese. Where others taste Camembert or Stilton and perhaps remark upon texture or aroma, Mary tastes centuries of survival and civilization, of weathered hands shaping curds in candlelit cellars, of the rise and fall of empires amidst the scent of ripening wheels.
Mary is a skilled and trusted cheesemonger who has moved to Orcas Island to share her passion for artisanal cheese with the community. She has extensive understanding of cheese varieties, origins, production methods, and optimal pairings. She takes pride in curating a diverse selection, from local farmstead varieties to rare international finds, and is always eager to share her expertise. Whether suggesting the perfect cheese for a picnic box or creating a custom themed charcuterie board, Mary is passionate, enthusiastic, and dedicated to elevating every cheese experience.
Wherever she wanders, a teacup, a wedge of something delicious, and a trusty umbrella are never far behind—because one never knows when one will need a picnic... or a quick escape from the rain.
Abby Deskins, Communications
A lifelong food enthusiast raised in the Pacific Northwest, Abby brings her love of flavor—and a special fondness for goat cheese—to everything she does. After discovering a dairy allergy, Abby leaned into her passion for the tangy, rich flavor in goat cheese and now incorporates it into her homemade recipes like quinoa chickpea salad and asparagus couscous.
When she’s not supporting the team at The Goat & Co., Abby works as an Administrative Assistant and Coordinator of Educational Outreach Programs at Pacific Lutheran University. She also serves on the Board of the Orcas Island Garden Club, where she volunteers as Communications Lead and Newsletter Editor.
Abby lives in University Place with her husband, Tyler, and their dog, Charlie. Together they explore local trails, play games, and enjoy life’s little adventures. A true creative spirit, Abby also spends her time painting, gardening, and performing aerial arts on the Lyra.
With a background in social media strategy, event planning, and community engagement, Abby is excited to bring her experience and energy to The Goat & Co. team.
Laura Walker, Marketing and Strategy
Bio coming soon!
Allen Fienberg, Accounting
Bio coming soon!